Duck Tour Operator Promotes Schuylkill Venue Despite Lack of City OK

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PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Although it was the sole bidder, the “Ride The Ducks” company has not been given clearance so far by the City of Philadelphia to operate its amphibious tours this coming spring along the Schuylkill River. But the company has already been advertising the new venue for the river portion of its tours.

The duck boat tours were suspended following last summer’s deadly collision on the Delaware River involving a duck boat and a barge (see related story). Ride The Ducks is hoping to resume tours in the spring along the Schuylkill River, but has run into community opposition (see related story).

Promotional pamphlets with the Schuylkill River venue have been distributed recently to tour companies at trade shows by “Ride The Ducks,” the tour operator.

“It wasn’t a mistake — we feel good about our proposal,” says Bob Salmon, vice president of Ride The Ducks.

He told KYW Newsradio that the company must look ahead regardless of the status of its bid.

“We create materials to talk to operators about future years. Most of these folks are booking 2012, 2013 — two and three years out,” he said.

The company’s website also talks about operating on the Schuylkill River.

“We are not selling tickets online or any of that at this point, so all we are doing is promoting our experience in 2011,” Salmon said.

The mayor’s office says a decision has not been made and the promotional materials does not reflect what is going on in government.